ZacAuburn's Etheridge Named A Nominee For Courage Award

Auburn safety Zac Etheridge and Ole Miss running back Rodney Scott are the first weekly nominees for the 2010 Discover Orange Bowl/FWAA Courage Award, the Football Writers Association of American (FWAA) announced Wednesday. Etheridge, a senior from Troy, Ala., has returned to football after he was temporarily paralyzed while making a tackle in 2009. Scott, a sophomore from Cross City, Fla., is being recognized for his action - or inaction - in helping prevent further injury to Etheridge. During the teams' game last October, Etheridge tackled Scott. When both players remained motionless, it became apparent something was wrong. Etheridge had suffered a neck injury. Scott, sensing Etheridge was seriously injured, did not move. "If I had moved, he could have been paralyzed," Scott told reporters. "It was one of the most amazing things I've seen," Auburn head coach Gene Chizik said. "I've got to give Scott a lot of credit. I don't know how he knew, but he just knew he couldn't move. He sat as still as the night, laying right underneath Etheridge. It was one of the most phenomenal things I've witnessed."

Etheridge's spine wasn't structurally damaged. He suffered torn ligaments and a cracked fifth vertebra and had to wear an invasive neck brace for three months.

Etheridge earned his degree in public administration last December. He did not participate in spring practice, but was cleared to play just before the season. He is tied for second on the team with 24 tackles. Scott has played in a reserve role for the Rebels. The players have spoken on the phone several times since the accident.